THIS Scone Spy job is no walk in the park.
I know you think that, as a scone lover, aficionado, devotee indeed, travelling round the country munching scones can’t be a bad old life.
Actually, when it’s laid out like that. . .
OK, so it is a walk in the park, my dream come true.
If there is one thing that adds to the perfection – if such a thing were possible – it’s tucking in AFTER a walk in the park.
And with spring eventually sprung (anyone else think it was so Scottish for it to actually snow on the day it officially started?) Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens beckoned.
Your Spy has been here before. On that visit, the famous glasshouses provided welcome refuge as the heaven’s opened and the rain bucketed down.
The only parkland viewed was on a quick scurry to the Tea Rooms at the Botanics.
Today, though, while obviously not quite the “taps aff” weather that entices Glaswegians to bare bits best un-bared each summer, it was darn pleasant.
The River Kelvin was in fine flow amongst the shady trees that look like they’ve been there for ever.
And we’d gone further than intended and worked up a very healthy appetite by the time we made it back and out on to Byres Road.
Kember & Jones is a café and deli about halfway along towards the Kelvingrove Art Gallery end.
It’s just coming on for 13 years since the owners – funnily enough called Kember and Jones – opened for business.
There’s a big ceiling-height dresser along one wall, filled with bottles, jars, packets and books.
The place is thriving but we’re cheerfully ushered to a table upstairs, the perfect place to take it the bustling scene.
We see loads of tasty deli eateries behind the counter, and the café acts as a bit of a showcase.
Their bakery produces artisan breads that are a world away from the old days when plain or pan, white or brown were the only options.
So, using our loafs, we decide to try some of theirs.
We pick the Wiltshire ham and gruyere cheese on sourdough toast off the all-day breakfast menu. It’s huge and absolutely scrumptious.
So, too, is the Belgian waffle with strawberries and blueberries, also from the breakfast selection.
But we never forget the scone. Their website boasts mid-morning options of cranberry, blueberry, cheddar or feta and basil.
We settle on a good, old fruit one which comes with two butters and a little jar of jam.
It’s really firm, but crumbly too with the raisins spilling out on to the plate.
It’s just under £20 including drinks. The whole vibe couldn’t be nicer – so nice even the sunshine outside just had to wait.
Warm Welcome 9/10 Location, Location 10/10 Scone Score 9/10
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